Just War Doctrine in Orthodox Christianity

War has scarred every age of human history, yet the Church has never ceased to proclaim Christ as the Prince of Peace. How, then, does Orthodoxy understand the tragic reality of war? What distinguishes the Eastern Christian approach from Western theories of “just war”? And how should modern Christians discern their moral responsibilities in a world marked by violence, nationalism, and global conflict?

In this podcast, we explore the Orthodox Church’s teaching on warfare—its patristic foundations, canonical principles, pastoral applications, and the lived witness of saints who confronted the horrors of battle. Rather than offering simplistic answers, we enter the tension between peace and responsibility, repentance and protection, spiritual healing and the brokenness of the world.

Listeners will encounter:

• The early Church’s witness on violence and military service
• St. Basil the Great’s canonical guidance on soldiers returning from war
• The difference between oikonomia and legalistic moral frameworks
• Why Orthodoxy avoids the term “Just War” yet recognizes tragic necessity
• How contemporary Orthodox thinkers approach modern warfare
• Pastoral insights for soldiers, chaplains, and families

This series is produced in partnership with New Iona Abbey, a Celtic-Orthodox community dedicated to prayer, formation, and cultural renewal. Learn more about the Abbey’s mission, ministries, and resources at https://columbanfriars.org.

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